News: 12 July 2010

QAS awarded Kickstart Mentoring Initiative contract

QAS has been awarded government funding for the Kickstart Mentoring Initiative for the North Queensland region.

The initiative will provide innovative and targeted mentoring services to Apprentice Kickstart Australian Apprentices* and Apprentice Kickstart Extension Australian Apprentices**.

The initiative will assist in increasing the retention rates and contributing to increased completion rates.

QAS' team of mentors will consist of retired tradespeople and successful young adults who will be able to relate to the needs of both employers and the apprentices.

Using various mediums of communication including, web-based, sms, texting, phone calls, personal visits and web conferencing, the mentors will:

• communicate regularly with employers and apprentices to identify issues before they arise
• ensure the apprentice has the resources and tools to continue their apprenticeship
• provide information, advice and referral to relevant service providers
• regular contact Training Providers to ensure the Apprentice is successfully completing their studies
• liaise with relevant stakeholders including, the employer, the parent and/or guardian, the school, the training provider, the indigenous communication and relevant community support agencies.

If you have any queries please contact QAS on 1300 360 955.

* Apprentice Kickstart Australian Apprentices – commenced between 1 December 2009 and 28 February 2010 in a Certificate III or IV level qualification that leads to a trade on the National Skills Needs List, and who were aged 19 years or under at commencement.

** Apprentice Kickstart Extension Australian Apprentices – commenced between 12 May 2010 and 12 November 2010 (inclusive) in a Certificate III or IV level qualification that leads to a trade on the National Skills Needs List and who were aged 19 years or under at commencement. The employer must have fewer than 200 employees at the time the Australian Apprentice commences, or be an eligible Group Training Organisation.

QAS delivers training options in Far North Queensland

The National Aboriginal and Islanders Day Observance Committee (NAIDOC) in Cairns saw 4000 people attend on Friday, 9 July 2010.

After a march through the city, the event took place at Fogarty Park with up to 60 stalls and displays including the QAS Cairns office staffed by Account Manager, Anita Marshall.

"There was a lot of interest from grandparents wanting to present information to their grandchildren in a bid to have them take up training," Anita said.

Overall another successful day promoting Australian Apprenticeships in the Far North of Queensland to a wide audience ranging in age and cultural diversity.

For more information on NAIDOC, visit: www.naidoc.org.au.

Free service for employers

As part of our service to employers, QAS offers the free use of Apprenticeships Direct.

This portal allows employers to access everything required to efficiently manage all documentation regarding Australian Apprentices and Trainees.

By monitoring upcoming claims, employers are able to print claim forms and lodge them by the due date in order to not miss out on receiving payment of eligible incentives.